Born in England Helen Joseph came to South Africa via India when she was twenty-six. Living a privileged life did not stop Helen from questioning racism and inequalities in her adapted country. It was only in her forties when she began working actively to bring about political change.

Helen played key roles in the Congress of Democrats, Federation of South African Woman, UDF and the ANC. Charged with treason in the 1950’s and one of the leaders of the march by women in 1956, the granny of the struggle had to dubious honour of being the first South African placed under house arrest. Undeterred by bannings she constantly challenged her opponents and still had the time to form strong friendships with activists such as Lilian Ngoyi and Davie Webster.

When asked why she continued to fight against apartheid Helen replied: “It makes me richer than anybody I can think of.” This book shares those riches with a generation of readers who now live in a democracy that Helen herself did not live to see.